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I'll be on the market for an X3 soon and I just had some random questions I'd like answered. My family has a history of BMW ownership, and this will be my first time owning a BMW.

1. What is the estimated cost and/or intervals of maintenance on your X3? This includes oil changes, tire rotations (although I've read not to rotate tires on the X3), air filters, etc.

2. Do the Service Representatives try to upsell you unnecessary things when you bring the car in for maintenance? Every time I take my Toyota in for an oil change, they always grab me from the waiting area to come look at some filthy thing that just happens to need replacement ASAP in an effort to get me to buy something, and it drives me nuts.

3. How's the road noise at speeds 65+ mph?

4. Does the cargo cover come standard?

5. Does the Bluetooth audio streaming display track information from your phone? What about track info from third party apps like pandora and Spotify?

7. Does anyone have a "clear bra" on their hood/front bumper? Is it very noticeable?

8. Did you finance through the dealership or elsewhere? I'm a member of my employer's credit union, so I think I can get pre-approved for a pretty low interest rate. Does the dealership seem more willing to work with you on the price of the car if they know you're going to finance through them?

9. Are there any add-ons that the dealership will try to sell me that are actually worth it? Ex: Prepaid maintenance, Extended warranties, Things of that nature...

10. Final request! Please share any words of wisdom, things you found out about the car after your purchase, or even things you wish you hadn't found out about the car post-purchase. Remember, any and all information is much appreciated!

That's all, folks! I'm sure I'll post more questions as I think of them, but that'll be all for now. Thanks, everyone!

Being in the city here, we don't put that many miles on the car. I think it's about 10K/year. In that time, all we've had to do is replace the oil/change air filter and replace the wiper blades. So, maintenance is about annual right now.

Service centered vary from dealer to dealer. During the warranty period, you've got nothing to worry about. After that, you may want to find a good independent mechanic.

No issues with road noise at 65mph+.

Cargo cover (to hide your stuff) is standard.

We usually just use Pandora and there's a great plugin for that. Can't recall what track information is provides, but I think it does display it.

No bra here.

Financed through our credit union here because they had the lowest rate. Finance officer did not sway us either way.

We paid for extra care of exterior and interior particularly because of the Oyster leather. In hindsight, we probably could have dropped it. However, I would seriously reconsider getting the tire hazard warranty. We took on a screw in the tire after just 500 miles. Run flats will run you $400/each easily. Take that into account.

Other stuff:

Be prepared to be frustrated with the nav!

Do not let the price of the 35i over the 28i dissuade you. the 35i comes with many options standard that might make the 35i more worth your while. I think I would have been happier with this (I have 28i now) and I would definitely have opt'd for the paddle shifters (not available on the 28i).

Love the HUD.

Do a really thorough test drive--not just their standard pattern. If you're a regular BMW driver who typically drives a 3 or a 5, be prepared for the higher distance above the road. I miss my old 325 for being closer to the road. But, when it comes to moving multiple bikes and snowboarding equipment, it became a necessity for us. You are sacrificing some of that feel of the road (not dramatic) and road handling with an X3 or X5.

I was at the dealer the other day and there were a few 2011 and 2012 BMW 3-series on the lot that were trade-ins. They had the clear bras on them and they looked like crap. Very distinctive line, problems in corners on one of them, and a lot of scuffing or marring marks. I'll be passing on the bra, which up until that point I had been seriously considering. If my front end has a lot of stone chips in a few years I'll consider painting it.

Make sure you specify you want roof rails, if you want them. They're not standard, and the $250 option for satin aluminum rails (on the non-M package) is not an "upgrade" - those are the base rails.

Also, if you want a trailer hitch, best to ask for it to be installed up front (will save you money) or shop around for parts. Most (genuine BMW) parts can be had for much less than MSRP. Check http://www.circlebmwparts for some pretty good deals. I've dealt with them a number of times.

The only insurance/extra you have to decide on at the time of delivery is tire/wheel insurance. Everything else can wait.

Cargo cover comes standard (the storage package is standard which means you get the tie-down lugs and some other netting).

Road noise at higher speeds is much better than my last car but still noticeable, especially in a crosswind. The RFTs are a bit noisier than their traditional counterparts.

Get the HUD and the top view parking. Totally worth it - and the blackout display that you get with the HUD is an added bonus.

When u place your order make sure you review the order sheet!! You want to make sure everything is added correctly down to the roof rails or lack of roof rails. Make sure all of your options are correct etc. build it online and bring that online build sheet with you.

Agree with what most folks have mentioned already. Without converting this thread into another maintenance thread - the cost to maintain will vary with the type of maintenance you choose. Factory vs Mike Miller's recs. I decided for the later (since I can afford it and plan to keep the car with me for 8-10 yrs)

Upselling, extra stuff vary with each dealership. My dealer wanted to upsell me with lots of things but I was "well informed" thanks to bimmerfest. Negotiated a reasonable price (500 above invoice).

I did go for the $600 interior and exterior protection plan by 3M (mostly because I was worried about interiors - oyster white). In hindsight, I may have skipped it and just used over the shelf leather cleaning products. I like to have peace of mind in knowing that if I have kids in the next 2-3 years and they spill stuff, I will be covered.

I did not go for the clear bra but did choose opti-coat. What a difference! my car looks like it has been waxed every day. Definitely consider this option (3rd party).

Do not go for the 28i. The engine feels like it is limping. I'm sure its good for many folks. I had my 1200 mile break in service today and was given a 528 loaner. It felt like I was driving a toyota avalon.

Get the DHP and sports seats. Once you have those, you will never want to drive a regular BMW again

I don't have problems with the nav, but there's a slight learning curve. I love the fact that I can send a location from my phone (Samsung Galaxy Note II) using google maps and the third party app "Send to Car" to send any location to the car. Then I open the message onscreen and start navigating right away. If you use google maps all the time on your phone to save or view locations, then you'll love this feature. You can also send it from a computer through the google maps website. It only takes a min or two for the message to deliver to the car.

I use Spotify all the time to stream audio, but it doesn't display track information. You can jump to the previous or next track using the controls on the steering wheel or the dial, which is pretty cool. It sounds amazing.

I have a 6x10 enclosed trailer, so I had the BMW towing package installed about a month after I picked up the vehicle. It was expensive, but just being able to see the overhead view of the receiver when backing up to the trailer was worth the money. I don't have to get out and see how close I am anymore. It's an extra feature that gets programmed that is a different view from "Top view" or the normal rear view when you're in reverse. A lot of people recommend "Invisihitch" because it does the job and is a lot cheaper, but you don't get the extra programmed rear camera features that come with the BMW version.

No issues with road noise, and i've had it a lot faster than 65

The 3.0 engine is the way to go. Even being the 6 cylinder, I just got 27 mpg on a 1100 road trip last weekend (Eco Pro mode on the highway except while in traffic). Shell 93 gas (awesome gas). It also pulls my trailer effortlessly.

I concur on the DHP and sports seats. I feel like I float over bumps in the road compared to any other car i've owned and the seats are fantastic once you've broken them in (They're a little firm right when you get it)

I get 25-27 in the city on eco-pro and comfort more and 33-35 on highway on my 35i. I'm easy on the gas pedal though. No issues with road noise.

Nav is a hit or miss. I like that it integrates well with HUD and all but there is one major flaw. I come from the world of garmin GPS and expect a certain degree of accuracy in the GPS. Last weekend I went to Ikea in West Chester, Cincinnati. Entered the address in BMW nav and it took me in the middle of I-275 and announced that I have reached my destination (I could see that it was on the side but the GPS took me in the middle of the interstate without any exits in sight). I had to make a 6 mile u turn and use my iPhone's GPS to reach the correct destination.

My other pet peeve with the BMW nav is announcement of destination. with my Garmin, I knew if my destination is on the left or right side of the road - allowing me enough time to change lanes. BMW nav seems to announce it only on some locations - mostly just 100-200 feet before the destination (which is not enough to change lanes).

Lastly, I really wish we had a trip overview option in the nav which would list all the interstates, roads I'm supposed to take (in case I want to avoid certain roads).

Agree with what most folks have mentioned already. Without converting this thread into another maintenance thread - the cost to maintain will vary with the type of maintenance you choose. Factory vs Mike Miller's recs. I decided for the later (since I can afford it and plan to keep the car with me for 8-10 yrs)

Upselling, extra stuff vary with each dealership. My dealer wanted to upsell me with lots of things but I was "well informed" thanks to bimmerfest. Negotiated a reasonable price (500 above invoice).

I did go for the $600 interior and exterior protection plan by 3M (mostly because I was worried about interiors - oyster white). In hindsight, I may have skipped it and just used over the shelf leather cleaning products. I like to have peace of mind in knowing that if I have kids in the next 2-3 years and they spill stuff, I will be covered.

I did not go for the clear bra but did choose opti-coat. What a difference! my car looks like it has been waxed every day. Definitely consider this option (3rd party).

Do not go for the 28i. The engine feels like it is limping. I'm sure its good for many folks. I had my 1200 mile break in service today and was given a 528 loaner. It felt like I was driving a toyota avalon.

Get the DHP and sports seats. Once you have those, you will never want to drive a regular BMW again

1200 mile break in service? That is only for M vehicles and the X3 isn't one of them!

I don't have problems with the nav, but there's a slight learning curve. I love the fact that I can send a location from my phone (Samsung Galaxy Note II) using google maps and the third party app "Send to Car" to send any location to the car. Then I open the message onscreen and start navigating right away. If you use google maps all the time on your phone to save or view locations, then you'll love this feature. You can also send it from a computer through the google maps website. It only takes a min or two for the message to deliver to the car.

I use Spotify all the time to stream audio, but it doesn't display track information. You can jump to the previous or next track using the controls on the steering wheel or the dial, which is pretty cool. It sounds amazing.

I have a 6x10 enclosed trailer, so I had the BMW towing package installed about a month after I picked up the vehicle. It was expensive, but just being able to see the overhead view of the receiver when backing up to the trailer was worth the money. I don't have to get out and see how close I am anymore. It's an extra feature that gets programmed that is a different view from "Top view" or the normal rear view when you're in reverse. A lot of people recommend "Invisihitch" because it does the job and is a lot cheaper, but you don't get the extra programmed rear camera features that come with the BMW version.

No issues with road noise, and i've had it a lot faster than 65

The 3.0 engine is the way to go. Even being the 6 cylinder, I just got 27 mpg on a 1100 road trip last weekend (Eco Pro mode on the highway except while in traffic). Shell 93 gas (awesome gas). It also pulls my trailer effortlessly.

I concur on the DHP and sports seats. I feel like I float over bumps in the road compared to any other car i've owned and the seats are fantastic once you've broken them in (They're a little firm right when you get it)

Do you mind post a picture what does it look like on your screen when the trailer is on? Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdog12345

I have a 6x10 enclosed trailer, so I had the BMW towing package installed about a month after I picked up the vehicle. It was expensive, but just being able to see the overhead view of the receiver when backing up to the trailer was worth the money. I don't have to get out and see how close I am anymore. It's an extra feature that gets programmed that is a different view from "Top view" or the normal rear view when you're in reverse.

So far Nav is good but lacks the text part of the directions. I could get the text part on my 07 530xi..not sure what they did to this version. Any idea about it?
Don't like steering volume, mode and talk button on right side of steering wheel.....what thinking went here by bmw. Cannot close tailgate by any remote buttons
Everything else is lovable :-)

First, read this forum. All of the questions you've asked have been discussed extensively.

Pay attention to the model year of the vehicle - even though x3 from 2011 on are the same chassis (F25), options and engines change from year to year. What was standard changes from year to year. The composition of packages change from year to year. If someone tells you they got sport seats with the Sport Package on their 2013 X3, do not expect it to be true of the 2014 model year (there is no Sports Package in 2014 and the only way to get sports seats is to order the M-sport package).

Packages may change in the middle of the model year. The software on the car (whcih now controls many features may change in the middle of the model year. Chassis, trim, engines will not change in the middle of the model year. But they may change at the beginning. MY15 will see a Life Cycle Impulse or facelift change for the X3.Those cars start manufacture on 1 April 2014.

Learn the order sheet better than your salesperson. One is attached to the first post fo this forum. The latest I have seen is dated 1 May 2013. Your sales person should show you the latest sheet when you build your car. If they do not, go find another dealer. The sheet that is valid when you order your car is truth about the options available at that time. What was on the previous version of the order sheet or what was available last year have no relevance. When your salesperson enters the order they should print out the order form. As guyver626 said, it is a good practice to initial it, get a copy and then both you and your salesperson have a copy of what you agreed was on the order.

If you understand the order sheet you will have no surprises. The fact that you can only get paddle shifters as part of the M-sport package or that roof rails are optional are spelled out in the order sheet. If you rely on your salesperson to make sure there are no surprises, whether you are surprised or not will depend on how good your salesperson is. They vary from dealer to dealer and within dealerships.

The answers to most of your questions are highly subjective:
1. Depends on whether you stick with BMW service schedule or not. $0 for the first 4 yrs 50K mi if you stick with the BMW service schedule. If you are asking us whether you should stick to the BMW manint schedule, then that has been discussed extensively on all BMW forums. Religious issue.

If you are asking about lifetime maint cost, you'll get varying reports about how frequently BMWs break. But it is clear that BMW parts and labor are going to cost you more than those for a Toyota.

2. Depends on the dealership and your relationship with the people there. What dealer are you asking about?

3. It can depend on your car's build. Some '14 cars have had noise issues due to defective seals - read the forum for the details. Most, if not all, that I have seen reported here have been rectified. Beyond that, whether the X3, when built to spec, is "quiet" at 65 mph is highly subjective. A religious issue. Best answer - go drive one on the freeway. See what YOU think.

4. Yes

5. I don't have a phone that can do this, so I do not know.

7. (there was no 6?) Subjective. mugsy in the UK hates the ones he's seen. I have used a guy in Colorado Springs who I think does excellent work. I had one on my '05 Xe and loved it. I have one on my MY14 X3 and love it. No, I do not think it looks bad or is obvious. Yes, you can see it if you look hard. If anything starts to peel, my guy will stand behind is work and make it good. So it depends on your perspective and how good the person is who does the job. Your dealer is bound to have some on their lot that have them. See what YOU think. Look at Merc and Audi dealers and see what theirs look like. Find the best guy in your town and see what his work looks like.

8. Best advice I ever got about buying a car was to separate the car purchase from the car financing. Talk to the sales person about the cost of the car and the finance manager about the cost of the money. Doing that sends the signal that you will not put up with them trying to squeeze money out of you by trying to talk to you about payments rather than the total cost of the purchase.

I have dealt with both my credit union and BMW Finance on car purchases and found both to be good to work with.

9. Some people say yes and some say no. This is another topic that has had several threads.

Finally, download that order sheet and make sure you understand it. After you actually order the car, get a printout from the BMW order system and confirm that it is correct. Then get ready for all the fun you're going to have when you receive you X3!

Greg above pretty much had everything down. I will add that you need to read all the terms and conditions when you sign (ie lease or any other administration or add ons). Inspect everything when you pick up.... Read and test every last feature...